The Global Context

(Click for fully interactive version) Location Map of All Census of Marine Life Projects and Relative Coverage

U.S. activities under the Census of Marine Life are part of a broad global initiative that engages more than 2000 scientists and ocean professionals from 80 countries. The common mission is to assess and explain the abundance, distribution, and diversity of marine species. This global effort, coordinated by an international Scientific Steering Committee, is implemented by national and regional committees, like the USNC. The USNC helps the overall Census to identify national and regional priorities, build partnerships, explore sources of funding, and promote the CoML to local audiences.

It is imperative that we understand the ocean’s rich marine biodiversity and how it may be affected by human activities. This will require a sustained national program beyond the initial ten years, supported by substantial increases in public investment. With lasting financial support, the U.S. program of the Census of Marine Life can continue to explore new and provocative marine ecosystems, explain the dynamic role of species over space and time, and provide information useful to resource management, policy development, and ocean education.